Ryse Insights

Join our community talk, "Navigating University Admission: A Guide for Singapore-Based Students and Parents," featuring insights from a former faculty member who served on SUTD and SIT admissions committees. Learn key strategies for local and international admissions, and why starting early benefits younger students building their portfolios. Get practical tips and answers to your questions. Register now via OnePA.

MOE will release PSLE results on 25 Nov, setting the stage for secondary school selection. A process now driven by strategy, not just scores. With many students sharing the same AL scores, your school choices and their order matter more than ever, turning selection into a game theory puzzle. Success depends on factoring in how others might choose. In this landscape, education strategists like Ryse Education can offer families an edge.

When Secondary 1 student Ng See Jen found her new school had no chess CCA, she didn’t accept it. She rallied peers, formed a WhatsApp group and pitched a detailed proposal to the principal. That initiative led CHIJ St Nicks impromptu team to become national runners-up and zonal champions, with individual awards for members. This story exemplifies the excellence DSA looks for: leadership, problem-solving, perseverance and chess mastery all rolled into one student-driven succe

A Primary 5 student from Maris Stella became a medallist at the International History Olympiad even though history isn’t taught in primary schools in Singapore. This highlights how educational consultants help students access and prepare for prestigious global competitions. With the timeline right, this student is well-positioned for P6 DSA next year under the humanities track, showcasing how competitions complement self-initiated projects in DSA preparation.

Engineering Innovation Challenge judge shares key tips: Build a functional prototype, manage budget smartly, master Arduino and IoT app programming, hone soldering skills, and utilize CAD and 3D printing. Leverage makerspaces, build a diverse team, and seek mentorship early. These efforts build impactful projects and strengthen university applications, especially for Ivy League and Oxbridge hopefuls.

A student stands out by launching a science journalism contest funded from his own high school scholarship award, empowering youth and boosting science literacy. His initiative exemplifies authentic leadership and community impact. This are qualities that top universities like MIT and Harvard seek in outstanding student portfolios. It’s a powerful example of how real-world action and generosity create lasting impressions beyond grades or accolades.

As Singapore launches Mandarin-taught university programmes to attract Chinese postgraduate students, local undergraduates increasingly head overseas for broader networks and opportunities. This post unpacks how context and ambition shape educational choices in both directions, reminding us that smart decisions are about finding the right fit, not just following the crowd.

A 16-year-old’s DSA-JC Humanities journey: blending scale modelling, history book prizes, and WWII research. My 1/72 Eastern Front diorama and essay showcase passion, creativity, and deep historical understanding. Ideal for a unique DSA portfolio.

A Primary 6 student’s proudest achievement was serving as chief editor of his class magazine. This simulated case study shows how to turn that experience into a compelling DSA portfolio. We highlight leadership, creativity, and teamwork to prove that authentic storytelling will make any application stand out.

Starting early is key for students aiming at top universities like Oxbridge or the Ivy League. Read how I guided my student Jay from Secondary 3 at ACSI, helping him build a strong academic and super-curricular portfolio, win competitions, and grow in confidence, leading to his Cambridge Engineering offer. Discover why early, holistic preparation matters in today’s admissions landscape, and how you can map your child’s journey too.